The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi Guys, my new speaker cabinets will be here next week.
I was thinking of staining and varnishing them, but then
a good friend gave me some nice black Tolex to cover them.
I just need to know what is the best contact cement to use.
I have a can of Weldwood Contact Cement that I've used for
other projects like seats and pads. Will this kind work ok
for speaker cabinets or should I look for something better.
Thanks for any recommendations. Carl

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I'm sure the Weldwood will do the job. I use 3M
Spray adhesive because I'm lazy.

I keep a can of spray 77 in the shop for touch ups, not sure if thats great for an entire job though

I think the Weldwood comes in a couple of different formulas. I use the Gel for tolex on speaker cabs, works great. And if there's a little glue showing at the edge of an overlap seam, it rubs right off after it dries.

I've never used it on Tolex, but I do know the non-flammable (green cans) doesn't work nearly as well. I've used it for similar applications, and I'd use the red regular stuff in liquid or gel without reservation.

I use the regular Tolex glue sold by Antique Radio (www.tubesandmore.com). Other places also sell it.

Hey fellows, Many thanks for all of your good information.
The Weldwood I have is labeled "Original" Contact Cement.
I looked at the spray ones, and they look like they're easier,
but also cost a lot more, so I guess I've to try what I have.
Thanks again. Carl

Carl Kilmer wrote:Hey fellows, Many thanks for all of your good information.
The Weldwood I have is labeled "Original" Contact Cement.
I looked at the spray ones, and they look like they're easier,
but also cost a lot more, so I guess I've to try what I have.
Thanks again. Carl

DO NOT SNIFF THE GLUE!!!!!

Jack Stoner wrote:I use the regular Tolex glue sold by Antique Radio (www.tubesandmore.com). Other places also sell it.

Jack has it right. That stuff sticks. Apply to the cab and the tolex. Let it disappear ( dry ) . Then when put together use a hair drier to smooth out or strech when necessary. It is bullet proof.

Rick Johnson uses the water based contact cement but also uses a hair dryer to heat it up and get better adhesion. It seems to give him more time to work the glue. Rick has a DVD out that explains all you need to know and shows you a bunch of tricks/shortcuts.

I've had great success with this.....
Don't forgot to use a hair dryer too...

Rick

www.rickjohnsoncabinets.com

Hey guys, thanks again. I been in contact with George Seymour
for the last few days, and he suggested trying Black Minwax stain.
I got some yesterday, and did the cabs, and they do look great.
That sure is a lot quicker and easier than installing the Tolex.
Carl

Carl That sounds great..How bout some pics?

Hi Charlie, haven't heard from you for a while.
The cabs are all finished except for putting on
the grill. Hopefully they will get here tomorrow.
I'll be gone most of the day, (going to jam with
a friend) but when I get home, I'll take pictures
and put them on here for all to see. They are nice.
Carl

I use Weldwood with a brush as Rick J. recommends, but good results can be obtained using spray versions as well. If just doing small areas, the brush is easiest. Coat both surfaces, let it tack up for a few minutes then bond together. You can use tape or a heavy flat object to apply pressure if needed.

Clete

Ok Charlie, I just tooks some pictures now that their done.
I won't put Tung oil on them until I get back from the show.
I think they look pretty good and really sound good too.





This is the actual color in light. Look at the Dove joints.